Hertsmere Borough Council has marked Black History Month with a number of events, including two exhibitions which are still open to the public, with free admission, until the end of the month. They are ‘Unsung Heroes’ at the Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar, and ‘Stories of Windrush’ on display in the café area at 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood.
Earlier in the month, The Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Alpha Collins hosted a number of dignitaries at the ‘Unsung Heroes’ exhibition including Harjit Singh, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Lawrence Brass, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, and several mayors from across the county.
The exhibition shines a light on extraordinary people who have made a significant contribution to British society and to the Hertsmere community.
Those who feature in the exhibition were also at the event including:
Mary Hickford who started volunteering for Communities 1st, during the pandemic and has continued to do so. The organisation aims to support local communities to thrive through support, knowledge, voice, infrastructure and innovation.
Siggy Cragwell, the oldest rail worker on Thameslink based at Elstree and Borehamwood train station, serving the Hertsmere community.
Victor Eni who served the people of Hertsmere as a councillor and as Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere - he is a well-recognised advocate and supporter of diversity in Hertsmere.
Chris Ramdeen, a Potters Bar Police Commmunity Support Officer who is well known and respected in the community for helping to keep the people of Hertsmere safe.
And Desmond Blake who has supported people in Hertsmere back into employment for many years through his role at the Borehamwood Job Centre, making a great contribution to Hertsmere’s economic environment.
Our second exhibition, ‘Stories of Windrush’ tells the stories of inspiring people of African and Caribbean descent who have made remarkable contributions across a broad range of fields, from arts and medicine to science and sports.
Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Alpha Collins said:
“Every year, we are proud to celebrate our incredibly diverse borough and workforce and these events have given us the perfect platform on which to do so.
“Black History Month has provided us with the opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the African and Caribbean communities in the UK.”
It’s a time to honour those who have fought for equality, social justice, and freedom — those who laid the foundation for a more inclusive and fair society